Simon Messer Photography
A guided private photo tour through Edinburgh’s Old Town, perfect for solo travellers, couples, families, and friends. Discover hidden gems and iconic sights while a professional photographer captures your adventure in beautiful, candid shots.
Leave with memories — and amazing photos.
Photoshoot Tour
Edinburgh Old Town
Perfect for a family photoshoot, couples photoshoot or solo travelers photoshoot.
I’ll take you to a few amazing locations, chosen specifically for you to highlight your time in our amazing city. On our Old Town Edinburgh tour, we will have some fun and get some great shots in the streets with some amazing architecture and see historical features which make Edinburgh unique. All tours are personal to you and your group, just you and me! I’ll put you at your ease, give you some tips if you need them and make sure you have a relaxed, fun time in front of the camera!
I’m local, having lived here for over 28 years since attending drama school at QMUC so I know all the best spots near Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town and do my best to put you at ease for a fun and relaxing photoshoot. Having been a professional actor, I know how it feels to be in front of the camera and usually manage to get a few genuine smiles out of you! For things to do in Edinburgh, this has to be one of the most fun!
Edinburgh Cityscape Photo Tour
Edinburgh Old Town
If you prefer to take the photographs rather than be in front of the camera, come with me and I will show you the very best places to take some truly special pictures.
On our Edinburgh photo walk, I will show you how to get the most out of your DSLR or Mirrorless camera (or smartphone if you will!) and visit some of the best viewpoints the city has to offer, such as Edinburgh Castle and The Royal Mile. I’ve been specialising in stills photography for some time now as well as being trained in video production and love to pass on what I know to beginner photographers.
Families, couples and solo travellers welcome! It’s a great way to see the old town and to learn a little about how to take better photographs.
Edinburgh Portraits & Headshots
Get in touch to see how a decent headshot can help set you apart from the competition. Having been in front of the camera for many years, I know how to get the most out of you in a fun and relaxing way.
What Clients Are Saying
5.0 Rating on TripAdvisor | Top 10 Photography Tours in Edinburgh
"Simon is such an amazing guy and photographer. I'm very happy with the results and would definitely recommend the photoshoot to everyone. During the shoot Simon tells amazing stories about the wonderful and historical city of Edinburgh."
"Had a lovely day out with Simon around the city for my husband and I & our newborn. Simon was professional, kind and took some lovely family photos that we will cherish. Highly recommended!"
"Simon was absolutely fantastic. Incredibly knowledgeable and really easy going, he made a magical day even more special for me and my fiancé as I proposed at the end of the tour. Having looked at the photos back from the special moment, I couldn't be happier!"
"He was friendly and made me feel at ease. This was my first time doing something like this and now I hope to find a Simon in every city I visit to capture the backdrop of the city through the eye of someone that knows best."
"I had a photoshoot in Edinburgh in October, and it was honestly one of the best experiences ever. The photos are absolutely amazing! I left with the biggest smile because he managed to capture such beautiful moments from my solo trip."
"Simon was very friendly and a pleasure to work with. He knew places that would make great photographs and the results were amazing. First time having a professional photo shoot of a family vacation and it did not disappoint!"
Reviews
If you would like to view reviews about me, my tours or print sales you can check out my listings on Google or Airbnb or VisitScotland
Listed as one of the top 10 photography tours in Edinburgh on Tripadvisor
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Freelance photography and Video Production
As well as providing tours, I have experience in multiple fields from live events, headshots, music and film photography and video as well as having worked as a camera operator and assistant in broadcast television and independent film. I’ve also worked as a videographer and editor in corporate training so I know a thing or two about how to get the best results from people at all levels in front of the camera!
I am happy to provide a bespoke quote to cater for any different project. Get in touch so I can ask a few key questions to tailor my offer for you in the most effective manner.
Stand out.
Check out the Gallery or head over to Instagram to see some examples of my work and get some ideas about how I can help you get noticed


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